Try as it might, COVID just can’t steal the jolly out of the holidays in Birmingham. The city has an interesting assortment of events to entertain travelers looking for great shopping and a variety of seasonal events.
December 1-22, 2020
7:00 p.m. and Matinees
It’s enough of a treat just to be in the historic Alabama Theatre, a 1920s movie palace in the heart of downtown Birmingham. When you add in the annual holiday film series, it’s all your precious little heart can desire. Films include seasonal classics such as “Elf,” “Christmas Vacation,” “White Christmas,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” A total of 22 screenings will be presented, 19 evening showings and three matinees.
Policies at the theater include temperature screenings, face mask requirements, and pods of assigned seats for two or four people. Plexiglas shields will be in place at the bar station, and the theater will be sanitizer after each screening. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
December 13, 2020
Parking Lot Opens at 5:00 p.m.
Concert Begins at 7:00 p.m.
Birmingham’s own genius composer and musician, Eric Essix, will be joined by friends to perform a hand-picked collection of soulful songs along with holiday favorites. Grab a curbside dinner from sponsor, Chez Fonfon, or pack your own, and head over to the Alys Stephens Center for this live drive-in concert. Vehicles will be parked in the order of arrival. This will be a memorable holiday experience.
December 17-20, 22, 23, 2020
7:30 p.m. and Matinees
One of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday classic, the Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. We all know Tchaikovsky’s familiar melodies and the magical world we’re transported to in this beloved masterpiece. Come see the mischievous mice manèges.
The BJCC has earned the STAR Facility Accreditation for sanitation procedures from Global Biorisk Advisory Council. Seating at 30% capacity. Masks required in concert hall.
December 17-20, 2020
7:30 p.m. and Matinees
Red Mountain Theatre Company brings its award-winning conservatory to downtown Regions Field for a generous display of holiday cheer. Some of Birmingham’s favorite stars will join the cast to bring guests all things holiday and a few other surprises along the way. This will be a popular event, so get those tickets while they last.
Ushers will direct visitors to groups of two or four seats based on ticket purchases. Masks required within the stadium. No outside food or beverages permitted, but concessions will be open.
Nothing says the holidays like a wild spending spree. Knock out your list in no time in this extensive open-air mall with 100 stores, along with good restaurants for hungry shoppers. This one million square foot shopping experience is so upscale that they call it a lifestyle center. Whatever you call it, it’s the fine place to spend a day or two. Spit polish your credit card and come on.
Fondly known as “The Tiny Kingdom,” the Birmingham suburb of Mountain Brook has well-curated shops and boutiques. The culinary landscape is as interesting as the shopping, serving up sushi, elevated pub fare, or a spicy margarita with a lobster taco. Be sure to find Smith’s Variety, an old-school delight with toys and gifts, and a candy counter where you can buy by the pound or by the piece.
Shops in the Birmingham suburb of Homewood stretch from end to end in the heart of this community. Children’s clothing boutiques, toy and hobby stores, and very good antique shops line 18th Street South in Homewood. Be sure to stop in at Johnny’s Restaurant, serving traditional Southern eats alongside classic Greek dishes.
Just as the name suggests, this is the place to find a huge assortment of brand names at reduced prices. From American Eagle Outfitters to Kate Spade New York and Talbots Outlet, the stores here offer great selection with reasonable pricing. The shops are in the community of Leeds, just on the outskirts of Birmingham.
Restaurants and Rooftops
Since the weather has cooled down, this is the ideal time to grab lunch or dinner and a drink outdoors. Here are a few places for fresh air and good food:
For all the info on events, shopping, dining, and accommodations in the greater Birmingham area, visit inbirmingham.com.